A team of officers placed themselves in significant danger to rescue a man attempting to take his own life from a height.

One early Sunday in April 2025, police were called out following reports of a male climbing scaffolding on a multi-storey building and threatening to jump.

PC Simon Thomas and PC Rhafaela Aliprandi, in an unmarked vehicle, arrived first at the scene and observed a male standing on a ledge at the top of a four to five storey building. He was in a heightened state of emotional distress, shouting about wanting to end his life.

Recognising the seriousness of the situation, PC Thomas immediately requested support from the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, a duty officer and a negotiator, while taking the lead in attempting to communicate with the male. Due to the height and distance, establishing effective dialogue proved difficult.

When PC Melissa Doyley and PC Will Hesketh arrived, the presence of uniformed officers appeared to further agitate the individual. He moved forward on the scaffolding and repeated threats to jump. In response, they repositioned to reduce distress while maintaining a safe perimeter, closing the road and providing updates to supervising officers.

The situation became increasingly complex as the male expressed hostility towards police and refused to provide identifying details. PC Thomas and PC Aliprandi continued to engage with him, observing increasingly erratic behaviour. He had also removed sections of the scaffolding ladders, preventing safe access.

Senior officers implemented a strategy of containment and negotiation, with emergency services being briefed and resources coordinated. Despite these efforts, the risk escalated rapidly.

The male stepped off the scaffolding, leaving him at immediate risk of death.

Without hesitation, PC Thomas and PC Aliprandi climbed the scaffolding to reach him, despite the significant danger and lack of safe access routes. With sections of the structure removed, they were forced to climb externally rather than using the boarded walkways.

PC Thomas reached the male and managed to lift him sufficiently preventing immediate asphyxiation. However, he was unable to fully free him alone.

Hearing the update, Inspector Wicks, A/PS Brophy and PC Hesketh ran to the scene and, along with members of the London Fire Brigade, climbed the scaffolding to assist. Working together at height, they were able to pull the male back onto the platform.

PC Hesketh and PC Aliprandi immediately assessed the male, attempting to maintain his airway and commencing CPR when they were unable to detect a pulse and believed his breathing to be agonal. Specialist paramedics from the HART team then reached the scene and took over medical care.

The male was safely recovered to ground level using fire service equipment.

The actions of all officers involved were carried out in extremely hazardous conditions, at height and under significant pressure. Their willingness to act decisively and place themselves at risk ensured the male was rescued at the point of critical danger.

Their response demonstrates clear judgement, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to preserving life, reflecting the highest standards of policing.

Metropolitan Police Federation Chair Paula Dodds said: “These officers put themselves at considerable risk to ensure a member of the public’s safety.

“Simon, Rhafaela and Will showed incredible bravery as they scaled the scaffolding to save this man’s life. Ably backed by Philip and Conor.

“They showed resilience in a high-pressured, dangerous and dynamic situation where they needed to stay calm and focused on the task at hand. Any delay could have led to the man’s death.

“Well done to this top team.”

Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham, who leads policing in south east London, said:

“I would like to commend all of the officers involved for their extraordinary bravery, professionalism and teamwork in responding to this deeply challenging incident.

“Faced with an extremely volatile and high-risk situation, they showed remarkable courage and composure, placing themselves in significant danger to save a man’s life.

“Their actions undoubtedly prevented a tragic outcome and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting life and supporting those in crisis.

“Their actions reflect the highest standard of courage and empathy.”